A couple say they will never visit Cornwall again after they were greeted by a sign that said "f*** off".
Kevin and Bronwynne Moore, who have visited the popular tourist destination for the past 20 years, admitted they haven't felt welcome in the county for some time.
On what was dubbed 'Super Saturday' at the weekend, the first day pubs in England opened for three months, a sign held by three people over the A30 near Bodmin read "Turn around and F*** off!"
The Yorkshire couple, who visit Cornwall at least once a year, said the sign was the "final straw" for them.
Kevin told CornwallLive : "We’ve noticed a resentment to people going there, and it’s been building up in the last few years.
"Recently we hadn’t felt as comfortable in Cornwall, the attitude towards visitors is now extremely poor.
“At best, it was a feeling of tolerance rather than welcome. It’s just not the same as what it was, we’ve felt that change.”
The sign was held up as as the county welcomed holidaymakers back for the first time since the hospitality industry was shut down by the Covid-19 lockdown.
But the couple feel the message from locals is "b*gger you".
Mr Moore added: "The Cornish do see themselves as very independent, and that’s fine, but now it seems like, 'b*gger off and stay away if you’re not Cornish'.
“At the end of the day, we want to feel 100% relaxed. I’m not saying it’s hostile, but there are other places where you feel much more welcome. It’s a big commitment to drive down to Cornwall, and it’s got to feel really worthwhile.
“We’ve spent thousands down in Cornwall, but now it kind of feels like, well bugger you.”
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said the A30 sign was offensive to a large group of people.
"I find it unforgivable," he told Cornwall Live. "It's accusing people before they even arrive."
Mr Bell emphasised how crucial tourism is for the local economy.
"We are battling to save thousands of jobs," he added. "Let's welcome our customers, who will share their money to keep Cornish people in jobs."
Meanwhile, in Dawlish, Devon, a man dressed as the Grim Reaper who was holding a "Welcome holidaymakers" sign greeted the incoming visitors over the weekend, before two men challenged him and confiscated his sign.
The incidents were not reflective of the general mood in the region, as Devon and Cornwall welcomed visitors back with open arms on day one of a major boost to the Westcountry's economy.
It is estimated that about 80,000 holidaymakers will be in Cornwall this week - which is 15 to 20 per cent down on usual numbers for this time of year.
